Who are the new Doctor Who companions? Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill to step into the TARDIS alongside Jodie Whittaker

The new cast of Doctor Who (L-R) Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh, Jodie Whittaker and Tosin Cole (BBC)

NEW Doctor Jodie Whittaker will be joined by three companions in the new series of Doctor Who.

Stepping into the TARDIS alongside the first female Doctor will be The Chase host Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Madip Gill.

Walsh will star as Graham, Cole will play Ryan and Gill will play Yasmin. Also joining the series in a returning role is Sharon D Clarke.

The new series will begin in Autumn 2018, with ten episodes scheduled.

The first episode will be a feature length hour long edition.

New head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall said: “The new Doctor is going to need new friends. We’re thrilled to welcome Mandip, Tosin and Bradley to the Doctor Who family.

“They’re three of Britain’s brightest talents and we can’t wait to see them dive into brand new adventures with Jodie’s Doctor. Alongside them, we’re delighted that Sharon D Clarke is also joining the show.”

Whittaker added: “I am so excited to share this huge adventure with Mandip, Tosin and Bradley. It’s a dream team!”

It’s the fulfilment of a lifelong dream for Walsh.

The Coronation Street and Law & Order UK actor said: “I remember watching William Hartnell as the first Doctor. Black and white made it very scary for a youngster like myself. I was petrified but even though I’d watch most of it from behind the sofa through my fingers, I became a fan.

“I then queued up for ages to get into the Carlton picture house in Watford to watch the great Peter Cushing appear as the Doctor in a full length feature film made in glorious colour. Am I thrilled to be part of this whole ground breaking new dawn for the Doctor?? Oh yes!”

Hollyoaks fans will be familiar with Gill, who starred in the soap from 2012-2015.

She’s also featured in The Good Karma Hospital, Casualty and Doctors.

On her casting, she said: “I am over the moon to be joining the Doctor Who family. This is an iconic show with an amazing fanbase and I look forward to everything that brings. Certain roles seem unattainable and this is one of those, so much so I didn’t believe it to be true for the first few weeks.

“To be working alongside the likes of Jodie, Bradley and my old friend Tosin is thrilling. This show is worlds away from the work I’ve done previously and that’s the part that excites me the most.”